A Members Reception & Program Presented by The Cultural Committee of The Arts Club of Washington:

Friday, March 27, 2026,  6:00 pm

OPEN TO MEMBERS & GUESTS

$65 per person*

About this special Members Dinner Program:

The steel pan is part of a continuum of African drumming traditions that developed on the island of Trinidad, particularly in the context of Carnival. Originally sourced from found material, the instrument is a unique marriage of highly syncopated African rhythmic traditions and Western European tonal conventions. The music most closely associated with the steel band includes Calypso - the indigenous folk music of Trinidad and Tobago - but the instrument developed a tradition of playing Western Popular and Classical music early on.

KOLA Riddims of Jazz presents a colorful repertoire that blends Caribbean rhythmic language with jazz harmony, groove-based improvisation, and contemporary stylistic influences. The program reflects the steel pan’s versatility as a modern jazz instrument while honoring its cultural roots. Sit back and enjoy an evening of good vibrations.

KOLA Riddims of Jazz is a jazz combo composed of students from the George Mason University Dewberry School of Music, representing programs in jazz studies, performance, and music technologies. The musicians of KOLA are members of the George Mason University Steel Pan Ensemble, directed by Professor Victor Provost. The ensemble is performance-oriented and is dedicated to the performance and study of steel pan music. The group presents repertoire drawn from a wide range of styles, with a particular emphasis on Caribbean musical traditions.

Join fellow members and their guests for a casual event with an artistic performance and a fun tapas buffet dinner reception in a lounge setting.

Evening Format: 

6:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour

7:00 p.m. Program

8:00 p.m. Dinner

Dress: business casual, or festive!

Call (202) 331-7282 or email dining@artsclubofwashington.org

*Price includes a $15 program fee and gratuity. DC sales tax additional.